This Week on Upstater: Catskills & Hudson Valley Walkable Towns

Orpheum Theater, Saugerties

Think you have to live in a city in order to walk to everything? Think again. Hudson Valley walkable towns exist, and you’ll find them in the Catskills, too.

We know, we know. People live in the Hudson Valley and Catskills to take in the wide open spaces, to commune with nature, to get away from the madding crowd. All true. All possible whether or not you’re living in a walkable town.

Mt. Beacon from Main Street, Beacon. Via beacononhudson.com

However, let us offer you a scenario:

There’s a snowstorm, a real whopper of a valley blizzard packed with wet, heavy snow and no visibility. Nobody’s going anywhere in their cars. But, you’re hungry. The day got away from you, and didn’t get a chance to properly prepare for the blizzard. Bombogenesis be damned, you strap on your big boots, bundle up, and head for the diner down the street for a burger. Added bonus: You get a workout walking home through the snow afterward.

There are distinct advantages to living in populated areas, and the above scenario is a frequent occurrence given the region’s propensity for unpredictable winter weather (snow in September! 72F on Christmas eve! snow in May!).

And, I speak from experience here, having lived in Saugerties village for the past 15 years: You will use your car less when you are able to walk to local businesses and amenities. Since I am able to walk and use my bike during warm months, turns out, I do a lot. My kids walk to and from school every day, and it saves a ton of morning stress not having to deal with a bus or pick-up/drop-off situation.